Water management system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide a water management system for use on board a passenger transport vehicle. The water management system may be used to address and manage excess humidity, water leaks, or any other instance when water or other liquid may collect at a certain location. The disclosure provides a system for managing excess water and for optionally delivering the water to another location. The removal location may be a disposal outlet or it may be a beneficial use of the collected water on-board the vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/434,227 filed Feb. 16, 2017 titled “Water Management System,” whichapplication is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/316,976, filed Jun. 27, 2014, titled “Water Management System,” whichapplication claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/839,936, filed Jun. 27, 2013, titled “Excess Humidity WaterManagement System,” the entire contents of each of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a watermanagement system for use on board a passenger transport vehicle. Thewater management system may be used to address and manage excesshumidity, water leaks, or any other instance when water or other liquidmay collect at a certain location. The disclosure provides a system formanaging excess water and for optionally delivering the water to anotherlocation. The removal location may be a disposal outlet or it may be abeneficial use of the collected water on-board the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Passenger transport vehicles, such as commercial aircraft (andespecially aircraft with low cabin altitude) experience humidity andother moisture-laden conditions. This can particularly be the case foraircraft that operate in high humidity environments and/or aircraft thatemploy humidification systems at various locations on-board the vehicle.As such, aircraft (and other vehicles) can have “rain in the plane,”which is a condition that occurs when excess water accumulates oninsulation blankets or other equipment in the bilge or belly of theaircraft or vehicle. In many instances, this can lead to saturatedinsulation blankets and excessive operational weight.

The “excess” water that creates this problem may be from any number ofsources. For example, it may the result of passenger's exhaling normalbreaths, humidification systems, condensation, ovens, coffee makers,ambient humidity (e.g., on ground), or any other cause.

Various attempted solutions at managing increased humidity as itcondenses on the cold structure of the aircraft (and the resulting “rainin the plane”) have generally involved low tech solutions such as usingwicking material in strategic places and providing revised drain pathsto cause the water to move efficiently from the cabin of the aircraft tothe bilge. For example, one solution has been to position spring-loadeddrain valves in the belly of an aircraft. The valves open when theaircraft lands to remove moisture or water that may have collectedduring flight. Another solution has been to line the belly withinsulation blankets that absorb collected moisture and water (but thatneed to be removed and dried.) More effective solutions are desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein thus provide a water management system thatis designed to remove moisture, water, or any other liquid away from anidentified location. The water management system moves the water toanother location (a removal location), which may be a disposal locationor a location that allows re-use of the removed water/moisture.Particular embodiments are designed for use on passenger transportvehicles, such as aircraft, that may experience a collection of water ormoisture, typically along a lower level or belly area of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a water management system according toone embodiment of the disclosure, using a tube or flex line for watercollection.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic of an alternate water management system.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an aircraft employing a water managementsystem along various zones.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that show optional removal locations for thecollected water.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate various types of sensors that may be used inconnection with the water management system disclosed. FIG. 5A shows oneembodiment of an artificial haircell concept. FIG. 5B shows a graphillustrating sensor output versus inflow velocity. FIG. 5C shows a graphillustrating peak to peak voltage versus cycle. FIG. 5C illustrates aschematic flow chart of process steps for use with an artificialhaircell sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a water management system10 that is designed to remove moisture, water, or any other liquid awayfrom an identified location. The water management system 10 moves thewater to another location, which may be a disposal location or alocation that allows re-use of the removed water/moisture. Particularembodiments are designed for use on passenger transport vehicles thatmay experience a collection of water or moisture, typically along alower level or belly area of the vehicle. The below disclosure focuseson the use of the water management system 10 in connection with apassenger aircraft. However, it should be understood that other vehiclesmay experience water collection or moisture condensation and one mayfind various embodiments described herein useful for those applicationsas well.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a water management system 10. The systemis particularly designed for managing and removing excess humidity orother forms of condensation that may collect at an identified location.In many instances, the system 10 will find particular use in the bellyof an aircraft, where “rain in the plane” is often a challenge tomanage. As described further below, however, the system 10 may also beused to detect leaks that may occur in the location of the system 10. Itis envisioned that the system be operable during an entire flightduration, such that it can manage moisture or water throughout theentirety of the flight. This includes time that the aircraft is atflying altitudes and subject to a pressure differential between cabinpressure and outside pressure.

The water management system 10 described can be located in one ormultiple locations in the aircraft belly area, which is one locationwhere water or other forms of moisture are known or observed toaccumulate. The concept can be adapted to single aisle, twin aisle, oreven double deck aircraft with any passenger capacity.

As shown in FIG. 1, the water management system 10 includes a collectiondevice 12 and a conduit 14 for directing the collected water away fromthe water collection device 14. The conduit 14 is located between thewater collection device 12 and a location 16 to which the moisture is tobe removed. This may be referred to as a “removal location 16.” (Asdescribed below, the removal location 16 may be a drain mast, on-boardwater lines, the on-board waste tank, a filtering system, a grey waterre-use system, a humidifier system, or any other desired location.) InFIG. 1, the removal location 16 is shown as a waste line 18 leading tothe on-board waste tank W.

Referring now more specifically to the collection device 12, theembodiment of FIG. 1 is shown as a tube 20 or flex line. The tube 20 maybe manufactured from any appropriate material or combination ofmaterials, and is preferably corrosion resistant. Non-limiting examplesof potential tube 20 materials include polymers, rubbers, silicones,glasses, metallic materials or alloys thereof (such as copper, stainlesssteel), or any other appropriate materials. The tube 20 may bemanufactured from or impregnated with Microban™, which is used toproduce anti-microbial plastic sheets via impregnation withDiisoibutylphenoxyethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloridemonohydrate, or an equivalent biocide. If the water collection device 12is a metal-like material, it may be manufactured from or coated withTeflon or some other corrosion resistant coating to prevent corrosionand scale build-up.

The very nature of water being collected can mean that particulates andother contaminants will be handled by the water collection device 12.Accordingly, additionally or alternatively the tube 20 may have one ormore other anti-microbial agents coating the tube, sprayed onto thetube, impregnated in the tube, or otherwise associated with the tube.The one or more anti-microbial agents may be provided in order toprevent growth of bacteria, viruses, algae, parasites, or any otherundesirable growth that may otherwise occur from water that is collectedwithin the tube. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more components ofthe water collection device 12 (including the interior and/or theexterior) may be treated or associated with one or more antimicrobial orbiocide compositions. The term “antimicrobial” is used herein toencompass, but not be limited to, all potential compounds that kill orinhibit the growth of bacteria, fungus, mold, mildew, parasites,microorganisms, viruses, and any other unwanted species that may grow ina space. The term is intended to encompass, but not be limited to, anytypes of antimicrobials, antiseptics, disinfectants, biocides,sterilizers, deodorizers, decontaminants, purifiers, or any othersubstances that inhibit, treat, and/or prevent or inhibit unwantedgrowth of any of the above-described or other species. Various types ofanti-microbial chemistry are known, but non-limiting examples ofpotential materials that may be used may be manufactured by any numberof chemical companies (non-limiting examples of which include DowChemical, BASF, DuPont, Microban, Total Science Antiseptic Solutions,and/or Eastman Chemical). Providing treatment with an antimicrobial canhelp ensure that any unclean fluid, whether air or liquid, that may comeinto contact with the water collection device tube 20 does not createmicrobial growth.

The tube 20 may be sized to have any desired diameter. In oneembodiment, the diameter of the tube 20 is about 0.25 inches to aboutone inch. In a particular embodiment, its diameter is about ½ inch. Inalternate embodiments, the tube may have a larger or smaller diameter,depending upon the space being serviced and the size of the vehiclebeing serviced.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tube 20 may have one or more areas for receivingmoisture 22. These areas for receiving moisture 22 may be perforations,openings, or holes into which moisture may flow or otherwise may bepulled into the tube 20 via an appropriate force. The areas 22 may beany size, as long as they allow moisture or water to collect, pool,seep, flow, or otherwise enter the tube 20.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the conduit 14 fluidly connects thecollection device 12 to a waste tank line 18. One end of the tube 20 maybe connected to or otherwise sealed from the open atmosphere by theconduit 14. The other end of the tube 20 may be sealed from the openatmosphere by a cap 30 or other closure device. In an alternateembodiment, the tube 20 is formed with one open end (for communicatingwith the conduit 14) and one closed end.

Due to connection of the tube 20 to the vacuum waste tank W via theconduit 14, the differential pressure/vacuum created along the wastetank line 18 functions to “pull” the moisture that enters the areas 22into the line 18 (for ultimate delivery to the on-board waste tank).There is a conduit connection 24 on the collection device 12 side of thesystem, and a conduit connection 26 on the waste tank line 18 side ofthe system. These may be standard clam shell-type couplings thatfunction as a connector to a waste tube pullout for the conduitconnection. Any connection as per AS 1656 is possible and consideredwith the scope of this disclosure.

The conduit 14 may also be manufactured from any appropriate material orcombination of materials, and it is also preferably corrosion resistant.Non-limiting examples of potential conduit 14 materials includepolymers, rubbers, silicones, glasses, metallic materials or alloysthereof (such as copper, stainless steel), or any other materials.Additionally or alternatively, the conduit 14 may be manufactured fromor impregnated with Microban™. If the conduit 14 is a metal-likematerial, it may be manufactured from or coated with Teflon or someother corrosion resistant coating to prevent corrosion and scalebuild-up.

The very nature of water being collected can mean that particulates andother contaminants will be handled by the conduit 14. Accordingly,additionally or alternatively the conduit 14 may have one or more otheranti-microbial agents coating the conduit, sprayed onto the conduit,impregnated in the conduit, or otherwise associated with the conduit.The one or more anti-microbial agents may be provided in order toprevent growth of bacteria, viruses, algae, parasites, or any otherundesirable growth that may otherwise occur from water that is collectedwithin the tube. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more components ofthe conduit 14 (including the interior and/or the exterior) may betreated or associated with one or more antimicrobial or biocidecompositions. The term “antimicrobial” is as defined above. Providingtreatment with an antimicrobial can help ensure that any unclean fluid,whether air or liquid, that may come into contact with the conduit 14does not create microbial growth.

The conduit 14 may be sized to have any desired diameter. In oneembodiment, the diameter of the conduit 14 is about 0.25 inches to about¾ inch. In one embodiment, its diameter is about ½ inch. In alternateembodiments, the conduit may have a larger or smaller diameter,depending upon the space being serviced and the size of the vehiclebeing serviced. The conduit 14 may be any appropriate length, as long asit creates a fluid connection between the water collection device 12 andthe removal location 16.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment for the water collection device 12. Inthis figure, the water collection device 12 is a mat 34. The mat 34 maybe associated with a conduit 14 similar to that described above and maywork similarly. One advantage of providing a mat 34 is that it can becustom shaped to fit certain zones, such as between stringers or anyother location. The mat 34 will generally have one or more areas 22 forreceiving moisture or water. The one or more areas 22 may beperforations, openings, or holes into which moisture or water may beable to flow or otherwise may be pulled into the mat 34 via anappropriate force. The areas 22 may be any size, as long as they allowmoisture or water to collect, pool, seep, flow, or otherwise enter themat 34. The mat may be formed of any appropriate material, options forwhich are described above in connection with the tube 20 embodiment ofthe water collection device 12. The mat 34 may also have one or moreother anti-microbial agents coating the mat, sprayed onto the mat,impregnated in the mat, or otherwise associated with the mat. The one ormore anti-microbial agents may be provided in order to prevent growth ofbacteria, viruses, algae, parasites, or any other undesirable growththat may otherwise occur from water that is collected within the mat.Thus, in some embodiments, one or more components of the mat 34(including the interior and/or the exterior) may be treated orassociated with one or more antimicrobial or biocide compositions. Theterm “antimicrobial” is as defined above. Providing treatment with anantimicrobial can help ensure that any unclean fluid, whether air orliquid, that may come into contact with the mat 34 does not createmicrobial growth.

Whichever embodiment is used, one or more water collection device(s) 12are generally located (and in most instances, secured) in designedtroughs or known low points where water collects. For example, as shownin FIG. 3, the water collection device(s) 12 may be positioned in theaircraft belly at various zones 42. For example, one or more watermanagement systems 10 (including the water collection device 12 andconduit that leads to the desired removal location) may be positionedalong frames 46 and/or along stringers. The water collection device(s)may take any appropriate shape to fit into the desired zone, such assquare, rectangular, circular, triangular, custom-shaped, tubular andwound around the zone or edges thereof, or any other desiredconfiguration. The water collection device(s) may be secured via clips,adhesives, weights, or any other appropriate securing system. There maybe a planned zone format, in which one or more water management systems10 are positioned at various positions along the length of the aircraft.As shown, there may be one system 10 per zone or there may be multiplesystems 10 per zone 42.

In some embodiments, the water collection device 12 and/or the conduit14 may be heated. This can help prevent water from freezing in thesystem when the aircraft is at below-freezing temperatures. This may beaccomplished via spot heating, a freeze protection jacket on at least aportion of the tube or conduit, or any other appropriate heating method.The general goal is to ensure the flow of water, even in lowtemperatures.

FIG. 1 also shows an optional descaling device 32 that may be positionedalong the conduit line 14. This can help prevent build-up scaleformation along the conduit 14, particularly if the conduit used has asmall diameter.

Along the conduit 14, there is a valve 28 provided that functions tocontrol the passage of moisture or water through the conduit 14. Thevalve 28 may be motor or solenoid operated. The valve 28 may be atwo-port valve that has an open position and a closed position. Thevalves used in this system 10 may be controlled by a controller 40,which may be any of the Environmental Control System (ECS), motor(s),solenoid(s), pneumatic(s), vacuum system, a stand-alone controller, orany combination thereof. Whichever method of control is used, a wastetank “full” signal may be delivered to the controller 40 to inhibitoperation and/or to indicate that the collected moisture/water should berouted elsewhere.

In one embodiment, the valve 28 may automatically cycle OPEN/CLOSEDperiodically during an entire flight duration. This includes time thatthe aircraft may be on the ground, as well as when the aircraft is atflying altitudes. Rain the plane often occurs during long flights, whencondensation from aircraft equipment may occur. The valve 28 may cycleconstantly throughout the flight, such as over various time intervals.In another embodiment, the valve 28 may receive an OPEN signal from acontroller 40. Opening of the valve 28 pulls a vacuum on the conduit 14connected to the water collection device 12. In flight, the naturallyoccurring pressure differential between the cabin to outside ambientpressure that occurs when the aircraft is at flying altitudes is used asthe motive force to pull (via vacuum suction) the moisture or water intothe water collection device 12 through the one or more areas forreceiving moisture 22. (If the vehicle is on-ground or in anotherlocation where the pressure differential will not create a vacuum, avacuum generator may be used to create the required air flow/pull tomove the moisture/water). The moisture and/or water that has collectedon the water collection device 12 is then transported via this airflow/vacuum created into the waste line(s) 18 and to the vacuum wastestorage tank(s) W. (Other removal locations are also possible, and aredescribed further below.)

In another embodiment, the valve 28 may open or close based on feedbackfrom a water sensor. In this instance, a further benefit of the watermanagement system 10 described is that it may be used for leakdetection, as well as humidity/condensation management. In the leakdetection aspect, the water collection device 12 may be provided withone or more water sensors 36. The water collection devices 12 (whethertube or mat portions) can be designed as module units that have thecapability of being fitted with adjustable sensors 36 for detecting andmonitoring potential water accumulation spots in several criticalsections of the water management system 10. The monitoring can takeplace in real-time, by automatically detecting change in level/height ofmoisture or water (whether the condensate and/or a leak that creates acollection of water in one or more locations). The detection may be viaa change in conductance of the sensor 36. The measured conductance basedon senor output can be translated to electrical voltage or currentreading to show the occurrence and location of the water accumulation,and be reflected on the on-board aircraft service computer or otheroutput system. In other examples the change may be detected viapiezoresistance, detected flow, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, orany combination thereof. The position of the modular water collectiondevices 12 which are fitted with sensors 36 could be selected based onthe system layout to minimize distortion, which will decrease the chanceof false readings by the sensors.

It is generally envisioned that the one or more water sensors 36 may besecured to, but slightly elevated from, the water collection device 12.In this way, the sensor 36 can detect whether an unexpected or undesiredwater rise has occurred in the location of the water collection device12. An accompanying signaler may also be provided, which can deliver asignal to aircraft personnel (whether to the on-board crew, computer, orto an on-ground maintenance team) that a water leak may have occurred.The sensor 36/signaler system may also be in communication with thecontroller 40 for the valve 28, which could instruct the valve 28 toremain in an open position so that the water can be quickly removed.

In another embodiment, one or more sensors 36 may be embedded directlyinto water collection device(s) 12 along one or more zones of theaircraft, such that activation of a series of sensors would indicatethat too much water has collected, which may evidence a leak. It is alsopossible for one or more sensors to be fitted in various sections of theaircraft water pipe and plumbing system. This can allow the one or moresensors to detect inflow velocity change.

A specific type of sensor that may be used in connection with the systemdescribed is an artificial haircell (AHC) sensor. One example isillustrated by FIG. 5A. Such sensors have a silicon cantilever beam withcilium attached at the distal end. These cilium is positionedperpendicular to a substrate plane, which may be a piezoresistor.Sensing is based on silicon piezoresistive strain gauged at the base ofthe cantilever. The motion of the cilium (much like a hair) protrudingfrom the substrate is driven by oscillating movement of the fluid as afunction of the cilium's physical dimensions, fluid properties, and flowconditions. The cilium may be made of an epoxy. One specific example isa photodefinable SU-8 epoxy. A specific example of such an AHC sensor(along with its potential, dimensions, fabrication, and use) isdescribed by the article titled “Design and Characterization ofArtificial Haircell Sensor for Flow Sensing With Ultrahigh Velocity andAngular Sensitivity,” Chen et al., Journal of Micro-ElectromechanicalSystems, Vol. 16, No. 5, October 2007, incorporated by reference herein.This type of sensor may be used to sense flow in both water or air. Itmay be used to sense steady-state laminar flow and oscillatory flow.FIGS. 5B and 5C provide data illustrating various outputs, flowvelocities, voltages and cycles for testing done on various AHCs.

Further sensor systems that may be used in connection with thisdisclosure include one or more smart hair sensors that are based onresearch conducted studying bat and/or cricket hairs. Lightweightsensors have been developed that mimic the hair sensors used by theseanimals using carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes have a highstrength-to-weight ratio and can conduct electricity, while also havinga very small diameter. When air flows over the fiber, it can cause achange in the resistance between the electrodes, creating the sensorfunction. Examples are shown and described by the article “Bio-inspired:crickets, that inspire AFRL researchers to develop smart ‘hair’ sensorsfor flight,” Novobilski, et al., Air Force Research Laboratory,published May 8, 2017.

It is possible for a smart hair sensor to be positioned within any ofthe conduits of the water management system. It is further possible fora smart hair sensor to be retrofitted into an existing aircraft waterpiping/handling system. In this example, a section of existing pipe maybe cut and replaced with a section of pipe that has a pre-fitted smarthair sensor to position the sensor into the aircraft water system. Thiscan help provide a health monitoring system. For example, if the pipebecomes clogged, the smart hair sensor can monitor a change/drop invelocity of flow before the clog becomes a problem. Such monitoring canlead to improved maintenance of the aircraft water management system,resulting in fewer flight interruptions. Additionally, reduction inmaintenance costs can lead to an improved return on investment and ahigher standard of service.

An additional sensor system that may be used in connection with thisdisclosure is the sensor system shown, tested, and described in thearticle “Smart Pipe: Nanosensors for Monitoring Water Quantity andQuality in Public Water Systems,” Lin, et al., Contract Report 2009-11;MTAC Report TR09-03, Illinois State Water Survey, published by theInstitute of natural resource sustainability, University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign. That sensor packages individual sensors into onesensor unit. The individual sensors are a pressure sensor, a temperaturesensor, and two flow sensors (one measuring in the X direction and onemeasuring in the Y direction). These sensors were used to measure inmunicipal water systems, when used in connection with the presentdisclosure, the sensors may be positioned within the water collectiondevice 12, or along any of the conduits or lines described herein.

Monitoring of any of the water sensors described herein may be donewirelessly. This can allow personnel to detect a problem from a controlpanel located remote from the water management system. The control panelmay be positioned on-board the vehicle. The control panel may bepositioned on a ground monitoring location, with information relayedwirelessly. Receiving device may be a tablet, hand held tablet,computer, smart phone, personal communication device, mainframecomputer, aircraft maintenance computer when the aircraft is on theground, or any other appropriate receiving system.

The water that has been collected in the water collection device 12(whether from natural condensate or humidity or from a water leak)should be removed and transported to a removal location. This may be theon-board waste tank, as described above and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.However, the collected moisture or water may also be delivered to otherlocations if desired. Non-limiting examples of potential removallocations are shown in FIG. 4. A control system may be provided thatdirects the activities of FIG. 4 and directs collected water to adesired removal location.

For example, if the water is to be disposed (and not re-used), oneoption is for the conduit 14 to lead directly to a drain mast 38 fordisposal of the water outside the aircraft. Another option is for theconduit 14 to lead to another line 44 that is already directed towardthe drain mast 38. (For example, some aircraft dispose of grey waterfrom galley sinks overboard. A conduit 14 may join a line leaving agalley sink so that the collected water joins the grey water that isdirected to the drain mast 38 for disposal.) These options are shown inFIGS. 2 and 3.

In other embodiments, it may be desirable to re-use the collected water.For example, in one embodiment, the collected water may be delivered toa filtration system. One example of such a filtration system may be themixed fluid filtration system shown and described in co-pendingapplication Publication No. 2014/0138326. A filtration system may beused to clean or otherwise filter the collected water for a subsequentuse.

Additionally or alternatively, the water may be routed to anotherremoval location, such as a grey water flush system for use in flushingvacuum toilets (examples of which are described in co-pendingapplication Publication No. 2013/0305444 and U.S. Ser. No. 62/011,229).In this option, the water collected by the water management system 10may be re-used for flushing on-board toilets. The vacuum created by thevacuum flush system may be used to pull the collected water to areservoir or accumulator or other holding tank for the water. The watermay be routed through a filtering system or may be directed directly toa flush water holding tank. In another option, the collected water maybe routed to a grey water interface system, such as described inco-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/284,726.

It is also possible to deliver the collected water to an on-boardhumidifier system (once the collected water has been cleaned and/orappropriately filtered). Any of these removal locations are consideredwithin the scope of this disclosure and based on this disclosure and thereferenced disclosures, one would understand how to route the collectedwater into the various options provided.

Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be made to thestructures and methods recited above and shown in the drawings withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the invention and the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water management system for use on-board anaircraft, comprising: (a) a water collection device comprising one ormore areas for receiving moisture or water, the water collection devicefluidly coupled to a source of vacuum; (b) a conduit between the watercollection device and a removal location to which the moisture or wateris to be removed, through which there is created a pressure differentialto cause the moisture or water to be pulled into and through theconduit; (c) a valve to control passage of moisture or water through theconduit; (d) a controller that directs opening and closing of the valvebased on water levels sensed by a water sensor, wherein the valve isopened and closed periodically throughout an entire flight duration,wherein the water sensor comprises a flow detection sensor, a pressuresensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combinationthereof.
 2. The water management system of claim 1, wherein thecollection device comprises a tube.
 3. The water management system ofclaim 2, wherein the tube comprises one or more perforations, openings,or holes into which moisture flows.
 4. The water management system ofclaim 1, wherein the collection device comprises a mat.
 5. The watermanagement system of claim 4, wherein the mat comprises one or moreperforations, openings, or holes into which moisture flows.
 6. The watermanagement system of claim 1, wherein the one or more areas forreceiving moisture comprise perforations or openings.
 7. The watermanagement system of claim 1, wherein the water collection device, theconduit, or both are heated for freeze protection.
 8. The watermanagement system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the watercollection device or the conduit or both is coated with, impregnatedwith, or associated with an anti-microbial agent.
 9. The watermanagement system of claim 1, wherein the water sensor comprises a watersensor for detecting leaks in the vehicle.
 10. The water managementsystem of claim 9, wherein the water sensor measures conductivity. 11.The water management system of claim 9, wherein the water sensor ismounted above the water collection device, fitted in various sections ofthe water piping and plumbing system to detect inflow velocity change,or both.
 12. The water management system of claim 1, further comprisinga descaling device.
 13. The water management system of claim 1, whereinthe water sensor comprises an artificial haircell sensor, a smart hairsensor, or both.
 14. The water management system of claim 13, whereinthe artificial haircell sensor comprises a cilium extending from apiezoelectric base.
 15. The water management system of claim 13, whereinthe smart hair sensor comprises carbon nanotubes.
 16. The watermanagement system of claim 1, wherein the water sensor functions viapiezoresistance.
 17. The water management system of claim 1, wherein thewater sensor comprises a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and oneor more flow sensors.
 18. The water management system of claim 1,further comprising a control system that directs collected water to adesired removal location.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein theremoval location comprises an aircraft drain mast, a filtration system,an aircraft grey water flush system, an aircraft humidifier system, anaircraft waste tank, or any combination thereof.
 20. The watermanagement system of claim 1, wherein the water sensor is retrofittedinto the conduit.
 21. The water management system of claim 1, whereinthe water sensor is monitored wirelessly.
 22. A method for collectingand removing undesired moisture or water from a location on an aircraft,comprising: (a) causing installation of a water management system on theaircraft, the water management system comprising: (i) a water collectiondevice comprising one or more areas for receiving moisture or water;(ii) a conduit between the water collection device and a removallocation to which the moisture or water is to be removed, through whichthere is created a pressure differential to cause the moisture to bepulled into and through the conduit; and (iii) a valve to controlpassage of moisture or water through the conduit wherein the valve isopened and closed periodically throughout an entire flight duration; (b)sensing presence of water via one or more water sensors; and (c) causingthe water collected from the water collection device to be directed tothe removal location.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the removallocation comprises an aircraft drain mast, a filtration system, anaircraft grey water flush system, an aircraft humidifier system, anaircraft waste tank, or any combination thereof.
 24. The method of claim22, wherein the water management system further comprises a controlsystem that directs collected water to the removal location.